Call centre workers forced to ignore the call of nature

One in four call centre workers has had access to a toilet break restricted, highlighting a “significant risk” to their health and safety, according a trade union.

A study of almost 800 workers by Unison found they often could not take measures to protect their health and wellbeing because of pressurised, target-driven and closely monitored working arrangements.

Almost seven out of ten of those surveyed said they suffered eye strain and over half had problems with their hearing and voices.

More than 80 per cent said their work caused them to feel stressed, sometimes affecting their personal lives.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “That this survey has shown more than a quarter have had their basic right to a toilet break restricted or monitored is bad enough, but the physical toll on call workers’ eyes, ears and voices – the tools of their trade – is something that managers and organisations cannot ignore.

“Workers rightly expect their employers to have a duty of care not only to their physical health, but also to their mental wellbeing, and this must be addressed urgently.”